Social Stories
Using Social Stories as part of the Behavior Plan
Although Social Stories are primarily used for children on the Autism spectrum, I find them to be an excellent resource for all children, especially those who may need support working through a behavioral issue or social/emotional concern.
When writing a social story for a student the counselor first sits down with the teacher and/or parent to get a sense of what is the primary concern that needs to be targeted. There is a world of possibilities. From here the counselor (sometimes with the student) will write the social story. Clip art offers an easy solution for illustrations and many times the student can do their own drawings.
In addition, older students (who need support in writing or for service learning projects) are being trained to write social stories for young kids. We are building a library of topics such as "Being a Good Listener"; "Not giving up when it is hard"; "Worry, Worry,Worry". Often the topics selected by the older students are issues they themselves are struggling with. It is a win-win situation.
The student, the teacher and the parents get a copy of the social story. In many cases the student has a collection of personalized social stories. The basic plan is that the story is read to the student daily until the behavior is improved, and then read occasionally for reminders.
Because social stories are personalized, positive and encouraging, and provides that relationship building aspect, students respond well to this type of behavior intervention.
Although Social Stories are primarily used for children on the Autism spectrum, I find them to be an excellent resource for all children, especially those who may need support working through a behavioral issue or social/emotional concern.
When writing a social story for a student the counselor first sits down with the teacher and/or parent to get a sense of what is the primary concern that needs to be targeted. There is a world of possibilities. From here the counselor (sometimes with the student) will write the social story. Clip art offers an easy solution for illustrations and many times the student can do their own drawings.
In addition, older students (who need support in writing or for service learning projects) are being trained to write social stories for young kids. We are building a library of topics such as "Being a Good Listener"; "Not giving up when it is hard"; "Worry, Worry,Worry". Often the topics selected by the older students are issues they themselves are struggling with. It is a win-win situation.
The student, the teacher and the parents get a copy of the social story. In many cases the student has a collection of personalized social stories. The basic plan is that the story is read to the student daily until the behavior is improved, and then read occasionally for reminders.
Because social stories are personalized, positive and encouraging, and provides that relationship building aspect, students respond well to this type of behavior intervention.
Sample Social Stories
Learn more about Social Stories from these sites
http://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories/what-are-social-stories
Here is Carol Gray's web site, she is the creator of Social Stories.
http://challengingbehavior.fmhi.usf.edu/explore/pbs_docs/social_story_tips.pdf
An excellent step by step guide to writing Social Stories.
http://region2library.org/SocialStories.htm
A collection of ready made stories.